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Friday, April 09, 2010

On the Street.....Moscow in Color

Growing up during the end of the Cold War, I had always heard that Russia was super grey and depressing. Isn't there an old, famous Burger King commercial about a Russian fashion show? All the "models" were wearing head-to-toe grey and dressed exactly alike. Not that I base my world view on burger commercials, but I continue to be surprised at just how much bright, vivid color is in Moscow. I love that this young lady, who is so dramatic in her tailored, red coat, is not a fashionista but a typical working girl... actually, an "Account Manager for a built-in appliances manufacturer."

I mean, I don't know any "Account Manager for a built-in appliance manufacturer" in Queens, New York that dresses like her. If so, I'd visit Queens more often.

I definitely know what you mean.. I think people tend to dress up a bit more overseas. I've been to europe and, in general, the people just look more polished. I never ever saw sweatpants or sweatshirts.

There is some style in us office drones, you just have to look really closely! My co-workers and I work in insurance (in Chicago!) and I think our little team livens up our grey cubicle office with our style and color! some of our office mates think we are slightly crazy for wearing skirts and/or dresses and heels, especially in the winter, but who cares!

She is lovely and so self assured. We close our minds to certain parts of the world with a fashion stigma placed on them, shame on us. Some of the greatest art in the world, I'm thinking Carl F. has come from Russia. And what about the furs? Please! I love her red coat, the sexy black leather sash as a belt, the black shoes and tights. She is simply fabulous, very regal, and she knows it!

the only reason it was grayer was that there was no opportunity for people to buy the clothes they wanted... but let me tell you, my mom and dad were rockin the 70s look no doubt about it.. and people made their own clothes which could definitely compare to the ones we buy in stores...and the women ALWAYS wore heals in Russia. No matter what. the majority of women are in heals and dresses... i wish women were more inclined to do the same in NY but then again.. they hurt so much!!!!! haha.cant wait to see more pictures from russia, i know you will find knockouts.

the only reason it was grayer was that there was no opportunity for people to buy the clothes they wanted... but let me tell you, my mom and dad were rockin the 70s look no doubt about it.. and people made their own clothes which could definitely compare to the ones we buy in stores...and the women ALWAYS wore heals in Russia. No matter what. the majority of women are in heals and dresses... i wish women were more inclined to do the same in NY but then again.. they hurt so much!!!!! haha.cant wait to see more pictures from russia, i know you will find knockouts.

You're looking at Moscow 20 years after the collapse. I returned in the early 90's when huge piles of rubbish were piled up around the city and I've been back since. The difference is striking.

Women schlep around Moscow in stilettos and big fur "shuba" or colourful coats. They're always dressed up. I tend to dress in jeans and unassuming coats when I'm there so as not to attract attention and become a target. One of my aunts asked me why I insist on dressing "so poor". In NYC, the way I dress would be considered normal.

I love her coat. The cut, the colour, the sash. It hearkens back to a pre-revolutionary Russian style.

No offense, but maybe you should venture out in the city a little more. I see tons of well dressed women on their way to work and Im one of them. You're not going to see the trendiest outfits but you will see more than a few women who take the time to look good even if theyre not working in the fashion industry.

Gorgeous vibrant colour, and so beautiful against the blue backdrop...

Katerina said ... (11:13 AM) :

I am a Russian living in the USA...definitely agree that streets in Moscow and actually in most cities in Russia are full of surprises,great taste,characters and beauty..I miss it here a lot..people,ladies especially,don't take pride in dressing up,i rarely see some effort...sometimes,although Russians dress up too much,but i'd rather see that than sweatpants or pajamas.. after all I think Russian women are very beautiful,they take care of themselves and they are anything but grey!!

Dear Scott,I remember you made a similarly disparaging remark about a geographic location's fashion shortcomings about my city, Pittsburgh, a few years ago with regard to the surely appalled reception men's leggings would receive. On the contrary, a tightest pants contest around here would elicit some skeleton-defying results from the boys. It seems contrary to reason that a street fashion photographer would assume on superficial contact that a place lacks no style. Shooting in the village and Milan is like fish in a barrel.

Moscow and St. Petersburg can be beautiful, romantic places: look at those pretty blue walls and grand windows! Like most of the world's great cities, they also hold striking contrasts: the very poor next to the very rich, the very old and traditional next to young trendsters. It's interesting, though, how the color & shape of her coat manage to say "fashion" in so many languages.

Anonymous said ... (2:20 PM) :

You're sounding pretty snobby here Scott. There are many vibrantly dressed and beautiful women in Queens.

Russian girls wear the craziest things, we like all that is bright and showy. Sometimes malheureusement also bling bling.. But I think we do it to contrast with the rather grey-shaded Moscow. http://mariwoolf.blogspot.com

It's a beautiful coat, but it overpowers her. Also, wondering if you've ever been outside of half a mile radius of red sq. Since you're complaining about queens, you might want to check out people in Moscow suburbs. Let's compare apples to apples.

Dear Scott, Can you please post more pictures from Russia? There are a lot of wonderful pictures from NY, Paris, Milano on your website. I believe Eastern Europeans deserve some attentions too! I live in Boston now but I am originally from Belarus. Every time I go there I feel so inspired to dress up when I come back!Kisses, Yuliya.

Russia is one of the most fashionable places on the planet. It one of my favorite places period! Moscow is ALL about fashion. They play FTV there like they do TSN in the USA. What a sensible country no?

rj said ... (7:27 PM) :

quietly confident and cool, and one of the best photos in my opinion. also, she is attractive woman!!!

Anonymous said ... (7:53 PM) :

I'd forgotten how powerful red is to wear. I love it with those shoes, otherwise it wouldn't work for me. Creates a kind of romantic look.

Believe me, all communist block countries wore gray/ brownish quite shapeless and garments for years, because there was nothing else- unless you had an aunt in US who sent you used clothing, black-market dollars or ability to make your clothing yourself. People were starved for fashion. We had some fashion heroes - Barbara Hoff in Poland singlehandedly produced small collections sold in thousands. It's all very different now. By the way - red coat - nice, but not remarkable.

haha love your comment about the burger commercial. her coat is fantastic and against that blue building = awesome

Masha said ... (11:23 PM) :

When I came to US 2.5 years ago I was very uncomfortable in my clothes because I stood out, I was overdressed, even though in Russia the way I dressed was not even considered flashy. So I started wearing more unfashinable clothes, which now I regret because I shouldn't've been influenced by all the sweat-pants and t-shirts that people wear in public (which I will wear only if someone hits me on the head pretty hard with a hammer)...Now I am going back home this summer and I will feel definetly in my shoes...

Red coat + high heels = perfect!

Anonymous said ... (2:47 AM) :

FINALLY!!!! Some real color! So sick of seeing the same boring shades of camel, gray and black!!

Dear Scott, thank you very much for yesterday's book signing - and for the book, fist of all! Like many others, I came yesterday in hope to buy it, and it was great to receive it as a gift from you. I hope you like Moscow. Come more often - our city looks quite different in different seasons, and street fashion as well. Thank you again, best wishes - Natasha.

Yes, Queens! My job has recently moved to Long Island City and I've been impressed with what I have have scene, food and people wise. There are so many studios doing creative, tactile work, galleries, PS1 and the MOMA outpost. It's definitely worth a walk around.

i live in Moscow for all my life and can assert it's a typical outfit for work. more or less. rather more. that's great that simple russian women's style was appreciate by you. And you showed it to people in your blog hehe

After just returning from Moscow, I realized that Russian women embody the concept of "Nahodnost" --or making due with what one has in a creative and clever way--to a T when it comes to fashion. Chances are this is her only coat, and those heels were purchased with three weeks wages (Though if she's working in the area where you shot this, she's probably making a bit more...) or as knock offs at the Cherkizovski market. But regardless of whether she's wearing a tattered housecoat at home, she'll make this look amazing every single day. It also never ceased to amaze me the speed at which Moscow women could walk through the snowy streets in their stilettos, all winter long... it's an art form.

Anonymous said ... (12:30 AM) :

The Russians are quite fashionable in my experience- both in Russia and abroad. The old Wendy's commercial did have some truth to it- I visited GUM on Red Square not long after the fall of the iron curtain, and the lady shop workers all wore those blue dress/cover thingys. It was pretty amazing! I was back several years ago- both Moscow & St. Pete had most major world class cities beat! Leave it to the Russians!

Oh my goodness! I remember that commerical and was just discussing it the other day with a friend. Every time I think of it, it still cracks me up!

This young lady is beautiful and very stylish. Red suits her just fine. I'm one of those office workers who dresses in high heels and skirts, dresses and suits every day. I get laughed at for my 3,4, and 5+ inch stilettos and platforms, but hey, that's okay with me.